When I was younger, I loved to read, O had a lot of books, my family knew me as the “bookworm” and books were what I asked for on my birthday/Christmas. As time went on, I started reading less and less, I still got books as presents but I have them all on a shelf collecting dust. I want to get back into reading, and I’ve read 2 books already, but I want to make it more of a habit. One thing that’s really interfering is my addiction to my phone. I’ll pick up a book, read like 30 pages, and then stop and just go on my phone. And it’s not out of disinterest- both of the books I’ve read were amazing, and I loved them both so much, I just can’t keep myself focused on the book for that long. The most pages I’ve read in one sitting is like, 57? I know I need to get my phone fully out of the way when I read, but I feel like I’ll still pause during the reading, or just stop. I know some people can get through like 100+ pages in one sitting, and I want to get there as well. What’s your best advice for someone who wants to read more?
by Toe-Muncher-2
7 Comments
I wouldn’t be too concerned about getting massive amounts read per sitting, I’m similar in only reading in medium bursts. You’re still reading a good amount. If you want to change that though you could try putting your phone out of reach, that way it takes more effort to browse.
Another tip would be to pick the book up between tasks. It feels natural to scroll reddit for fifteen minutes while you wait for something to finish cooking or waiting for an appointment. I will admit that I do struggle with this still, but I’m working on it.
I have the same issue. I used to be able to read a full novel in a day. But not anymore. It’s basically because I’m tired. My brain is tired, my body is tired. I have ADHD so I have to do SOMETHING and that ends up being scrolling on my phone aimlessly because I am too exhausted from the day to do anything that requires more than that.
I have had success when I’ve had days off/downtime with starting a book earlier when I am not as tired, and still find I can read on planes/vacation etc.
Maybe create a set time daily to commit to reading, even it if is only for 30 mins at a time to start?
I always like to sit in a place that is far away from my phone. Put your phone in a difficult spot to reach (under a couch or bed) so it’s more of an effort when you want to reach for/check your phone. Also reading before bed is a great habit to get into as it has great benefits.
First, if you *cannot* get “rid” of your phone while reading, ask someone else to hide them for a certain time (set an alarm), or uninstall those apps that you think that calls for your attention the most (this one helped me at first, now I still have problems with YT shorts, but I kind of control it). if not possible to uninstall them, then simply unlock your phone, and ask someone else to shuffle around your menu/screen icons. You can do it!
Plus, make yourself a deal. If you intend to read 50 pages but paused and grabbed your phone for even 1 second, add another 2 pages to the reading. Make sure that you *want* it, otherwise you will be fooling yourself twice.
Blow up your TV. Throw away your smartphone. Move to the country. Build you a home.
20 minutes a night before going to bed.
You don’t need help reading, you need help keeping off of your phone.
Set a timer for half an hour. You can’t touch the phone until it goes off. Once that’s easy for you, change it to an hour.